Yellow flowers are like little drops of sunshine in your garden. Their vibrant hues exude positivity and joy, bringing warmth and cheerfulness to any landscape. From the classic beauty of sunflowers to the delicate charm of alyssum, these brightly colored blooms offer a plethora of options for gardening enthusiasts.
Here's a list of 25 popular types of yellow flowers that would make a delightful addition to your outdoor space — and bring a touch of radiance to your life.
1. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
The iconic sunflower, with its large, golden-yellow blooms, is a symbol of happiness and positivity. These cheerful flowers can reach impressive heights, making them a striking addition to any garden.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 6-10
Bloom time: Summer to early fall
2. Daffodil (Narcissus)
Daffodils are synonymous with spring, their bright yellow or white petals and trumpet-shaped centers heralding the arrival of the season.
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil needs: Well-draining soil
USDA hardiness zones: 3-9
Bloom time: Early to mid-spring
3. Marigold (Tagetes)
Marigolds come in various shades of yellow and orange. They are known for their ability to repel pests, making them a valuable addition to your landscape.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-drained, loamy soil
USDA hardiness zones: 2-11
Bloom time: Late spring to frost
4. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
These wildflowers feature a dark brown center surrounded by vibrant yellow petals. They are easy to grow and attract pollinators.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-draining soil
USDA hardiness zones: 3-9
Bloom time: Summer to early fall
5. Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)
Forsythia shrubs produce a profusion of bright yellow flowers in early spring, often before the leaves emerge, creating a stunning visual effect.
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 4-9
Bloom time: Early spring
6. Tulip (Tulipa)
Yellow tulips are a symbol of cheerful thoughts and sunshine. These types of flowers come in various shades of yellow, from pale pastels to deep golden hues.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-draining soil
USDA hardiness zones: 3-8
Bloom time: Early spring
7. Daylily (Hemerocallis)
Known for their short-lived but stunning blooms, daylilies come in various shades of yellow and can add brightness to any garden.
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil needs: Well-draining soil
USDA hardiness zones: 3-9
Bloom time: Late spring to mid-summer
8. Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
Also known as tickseed, coreopsis has bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that attract butterflies and bees, making it a favorite for pollinator gardens.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Slightly acidic, well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 4-9
Bloom time: Summer
9. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is a perennial herb with delicate, flat-topped clusters of small flowers. Beyond its lovely appearance, it also has medicinal properties, having long been used to treat digestive issues.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 3-9
Bloom time: Late spring to late summer
10. Zinnia (Zinnia spp.)
Zinnias come in various vibrant colors, including shades of yellow. They are easy to grow and are a favorite flower of butterflies.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-draining, fertile soil
USDA hardiness zones: 3-10
Bloom time: Early summer to frost
11. Goldenrod (Solidago)
Goldenrods are known for their feathery plumes of tiny yellow flowers. They are a crucial source of nectar for pollinators in late summer and fall.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 3-9
Bloom time: Late summer to fall
12. Helenium (Helenium spp.)
Helenium, also known as sneezeweed, features vibrant yellow, orange, or red blooms. These perennials add a pop of color to a late summer garden.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil
USDA hardiness zones: 3-8
Bloom time: Mid-summer to frost
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13. California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
The California poppy's bright yellow or orange flowers are a staple in drought-tolerant gardens. This delicate-looking bloom is the state flower of California.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Sandy, well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 7-10
Bloom time: Early spring to late summer
14. Evening primrose (Oenothera spp.)
Evening primroses produce fragrant flowers that open in the evening and are attractive to moths and other night-flying pollinators.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 4-9
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
15. Canna lily (Canna indica)
Canna lilies are tropical plants with large, banana-like leaves and vibrant yellow or orange-red flowers. They thrive in warm climates.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil
USDA hardiness zones: 7-11
Bloom time: Summer
16. Mallow (Malva)
Mallow plants have saucer-shaped yellow or pale pink flowers. They're often used as ornamental or medicinal plants.
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial sun
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 3-8
Bloom time: Summer to fall
17. Iris (Iris pseudacorus)
Yellow iris, also known as yellow flag, has bright yellow petals, also known as "standards" and "falls." These flowers add a touch of elegance to garden ponds and water features.
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil needs: Moist, well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 4-9
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
18. Rose (Rosa)
Yellow roses symbolize friendship and joy. They come in various shades of yellow, from pale buttery hues to rich golden tones.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 4-10
Bloom time: Spring to fall
19. Sundrop (Oenothera fruticosa)
Sundrop produces bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers. It is often used as a ground cover in rock gardens or along borders.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 4-9
Bloom time: Late spring to summer
20. Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Butterfly weed, with its vibrant orange-yellow flowers, is a favorite of pollinators and a vital host plant for monarch butterflies.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 4-9
Bloom time: Summer to fall
21. Leopard's bane (Doronicum)
Known for its early spring bloom, leopard's bane features cheerful, yellow, daisy-like flowers.
Sun exposure: Partial to full shade
Soil needs: Well-drained, organic-rich soil
USDA hardiness zones: 3-8
Bloom time: Early spring
22. Basket-of-gold (Aurinia saxatilis)
Also known as alyssum, basket-of-gold forms a cascading mat of bright yellow flowers, perfect for rock gardens.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 3-7
Bloom time: Spring
23. Coneflower (Echinacea)
While purple coneflowers are more common, yellow coneflowers add a unique twist to a garden, attracting pollinators and birds.
Sun exposure: Full sun to light shade
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 3-9
Bloom time: Summer to fall
24. Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens)
A fragrant vine native to the southeastern United States, Carolina jessamine is renowned for its striking appearance, vibrant yellow flowers, and sweet, jasmine-like scent.
Sun exposure: Full to partial sun
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 7-9
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
25. Craspedia (Craspedia)
Craspedia, commonly known as billy buttons or drumstick flower, is a unique and eye-catching flowering plant that adds a touch of whimsy and charm to outdoor spaces and floral arrangements.
Sun exposure: Full to partial sun
Soil needs: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
USDA hardiness zones: 8-11
Bloom time: Late spring to summer
Types of Flowers by Color
Learn more about the most popular types of flower by color in our article series
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